Shopping on a Budget? 4 Tips for Saving Money on a New Car
It is no brainier that buying a car is one of the most significant purchases you will ever make. Therefore, you ought to put a lot of thought into the decision before making it final. Sometimes you plan to buy a car in advance, while in other cases, the circumstances dictate that you do so within a short period. Whichever way, here are four tactics you can employ to leave some money in your pocket after buying a vehicle.
Pay cash
Cars are depreciating assets. When you buy an automobile on loan, it means that you will be paying interest on something that is losing value over time. Therefore, you will be discounting the value of your future income. A car starts depreciating the instance you drive out of the dealership, which implies that it will be depreciating faster than you can ever clear the loan. If you can, always pay in cash or purchase a second-hand car that is in excellent condition.
Shop for affordable financing
If you are unable to pay in cash, you may have to look for funding. Note that the dealers do not always offer the best rates. Shop around for a loan provider with the most attractive financing terms and interest rates. Consider the length of the payments and the monthly installments.
Consider a trade-in
Another idea for spending minimally on a car purchase is to opt for trade-in. Before bringing up the idea, start by negotiating on the best rates with the Chevy truck dealer. Also, take time to research adequately on the current market prices for both vehicles. Use the information you gather to determine whether the amount that the dealer is offering is fair or not.
Use your military status or student ID
If you or your partner is in active military duty or have veteran status, you might be eligible for a discount. Call the dealership you wish to buy the car and ask if they offer discounts to military personnel. Students are also eligible for discounts. Some dealers extend cuts to new-grad buyers, who completed college within the past year. Make sure you read the discount terms and conditions since you might be required to have good credit to take advantage of the offers.
Before heading out to the dealership, always have a plan on how you will purchase the car. Understand the upgrades you desire in advance to avoid getting excited at the dealership, as this might attract a higher price. Also, save up for the purchase.